Houston County proclaims Red Ribbon Week; commission approves contracts, renovations and shelter MOU

Houston County commissioners on an October meeting proclaimed October 2025 as Red Ribbon Week and approved several routine agenda items, including a county GIS-services contract, a resolution consenting to a telecommunications transfer, renovation plans for the Houston County Farm Center, a memorandum of understanding with Wiregrass Pet Rescue and Adoption Center, and the award of a hot-plant-mix bid.

The proclamation was read and presented by Chairman Brandon Shoop. "I, Brandon Shoop, chairman of Houston County Commission, do hereby proclaim October 2025 as Red Ribbon Week in Houston County and call upon all citizens to join in the events and activities that promote awareness, prevention, and education on the dangers of substance misuse," Shoop read as part of the proclamation adopted by the commission.

The proclamation recognized the National Red Ribbon Campaign and local work by the "3 3 4 prevention project" and the 3 3 4 Youth Council (referred to in the meeting transcript as the Houston County substance abuse partnership). A youth council member who spoke during the presentation described a personal connection to the issues the group addresses: "It's not just about saying no to drugs or alcohol. It's about saying yes to support, to hope, and to a community for people that are struggling," the speaker said.

Why it matters: Commissioners said the items support county operations and community services — from mapping and road-material procurement to animal-shelter…